Mice on drugs are providing new insight into drug addiction on the new Web site, “The New Science of Addiction: Genetics and the Brain.”
The site, created by the Genetic Science Learning Center at the U, includes interactive graphics explaining how drugs affect the brain, the roles of genetics and environment in addiction and challenges related to addiction.
The site also includes a video of mice high on marijuana, methamphetamine and other illegal drugs to help show the biological processes of drugs on the brain.
The Learning Center, along with middle and high school teachers across the country, developed the site over the last three years in hopes that it will provide a simple depiction of drug abuse and its consequences.
The site also includes lesson plans and print activities for student and teacher use to make information accessible to students and the general public.
The Web site can be visited at http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/units/addiction